I am sorry to read that sources close to Anson Chan Fang On-sang say she may not defend her Legislative Council seat because 'she felt she could not achieve what she wanted in the legislature'.

No doubt this news is joy for the chief executive, who has been less than happy about the presence in the chamber of his one-time boss, the former chief secretary, questioning him and secretaries over their actions. Pro-Beijing legislators will also be happy if she relinquishes her fight for democracy.

This news saddens me and many of her supporters who made a tremendous effort to see her triumph only a few months ago against the former secretary for security, Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, despite the great support she enjoyed from the shrewd DAB.

Mrs Chan's victory had great significance as it united democrats, even temporarily. It can happen again in September, if she doesn't decide to quit her Legco seat. But after such a short time, Mrs Chan is rumoured to have decided that she will leave the battlefield in the middle of our fight for full democracy.

Surely she realises that her presence in Legco will give provide courage and inspiration to other democrats. In spite of her efforts, she might have not have been able to iron out the democrats' differences and unite them fully.

It is final that Martin Lee Chu-ming and Sin Chung-kai will not contest the September Legco election. Emily Lau Wai-hing of the Frontier party, and independent Albert Cheng King-hon are still considering if they will contest. If, at this time, Anson Chan decides to quit as well, then the democrats may lose a crucial fight to the DAB, who have abundant manpower and finances. Civic Party leader Audrey Eu Yuet-mee is right in saying that 'in the absence of Mrs Chan, the election will be chaotic, resulting in Beijing loyalists gaining four of the six seats on Hong Kong island'.

Our pro-Beijing administration, and their loyalist allies, have deliberately frustrated the democrats' fight for universal suffrage with delaying tactics. That's why we need a strong political leader experienced in administration, like Mrs Chan. She must not consider quitting at a time like this.